Appropriate grant for $474,244 from the State of Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Organized Retail Theft Grant Program for retail theft missions
The City of Portland ordains:
Section 1. The Council finds:
- The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission’s (CJC) Organized Retail Theft Grant Program’s primary purpose is to is to financially assist local law enforcement agencies, the Oregon State Police and community-based organizations with costs associated with addressing and prosecuting organized retail theft, as defined in ORS 164.098.
- The CJC’s mission is to improve the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of state and local criminal justice systems.
- The CJC has notified the City that it will award a grant to the City in the amount of $474,244 to intensify efforts against retail theft through increased retail theft missions (see Exhibit A).
- The grant period is April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
- There is no match requirement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:
The FY 2024-25 budget is hereby amended as follows:
GRANTS FUND
Fund - 217
Business Area - PL
Bureau Program Expenses - $474,244
- The Grants Management Division is authorized to perform all administrative matters in relation to the grant application, grant agreement or amendments, requests for reimbursement from the grantor, and to submit required online grant documents on the Mayor’s behalf.
Official Record (Efiles)
An ordinance when passed by the Council shall be signed by the Auditor. It shall be carefully filed and preserved in the custody of the Auditor (City Charter Chapter 2 Article 1 Section 2-122)
Passed by Council
Auditor of the City of Portland
Simone Rede
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
This ordinance allows the Portland Police Bureau to appropriate the 2024 Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Award from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC).
The primary objective of the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Grant program is, Pursuant to ORS 137.686, to financially assist local law enforcement agencies, the Oregon State Police and community-based organizations with costs associated with addressing and prosecuting organized retail theft, as defined in ORS 164.098. The Portland Police Bureau plans to utilize grant funds to intensify efforts against retail theft in the city. The funds will support three retail theft missions a month for a period of one year. Those missions will be coordinated by PPB Central Precinct, PPB North Precinct and PPB East Precinct. PPB will deploy officers to high theft areas identified through crime data analysis, conduct subject and vehicle stops and coordinate closely with retailers. These missions will not only address theft but will also address associated criminal activities such as drug possession and vehicle theft. Overall, the grant funds will enhance these activities, providing resources for overtime, investigative support, and other tactical operations to curb retail theft and related crimes in Portland. Funding will be allocated to Officers, Sergeants, Detectives, Admin staff, and Criminalists throughout the grant period.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
This action will increase the Police Bureau’s Grant Fund appropriation by $474,244 for FY 2024-25. There is no match required by this grant. The grant number is PL000254.
Economic and Real Estate Development Impacts
n/a
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
In Oregon, over 427,000 people are employed in the retail industry and retail contributes $27.6 billion to Oregon’s GDP. Portland, being the state’s largest city holds a large portion of the responsibility to respond to the rise of retail theft. Retail theft, commonly referred to as shoplifting, poses a significant challenge to the Portland metro area. It affects large retailers, small locally owned businesses, neighborhood communities, and law enforcement agencies across the entire metro area. In Portland, this issue has become increasingly prevalent, impacting not only retailers' bottom lines but also contributing to a sense of insecurity among residents. Retail crime has cost the state $1.4 billion in lost economic activity. Beyond the economic impact on businesses, retail theft contributes to increased prices for consumers and undermines the viability of local establishments. Moreover, the rise in organized retail crime further exacerbates the issue, requiring a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. PPB will collaborate closely with retailers, who often increase their own loss prevention staff during missions. This cooperation ensures swift response times and real time communication. Often, retailers can contact police officers assigned to the mission directly, instead of going through 911. This collaboration enhances the safety of employees and customers.
100% Renewable Goal
n/a
Budgetary Impact Worksheet
| Fund | Fund Center | Commitment Item | Functional Area | Funded Program | Grant | Sponsored Program | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 217006 | PLOP000028 | 441100 | PSPPPP00000000GS | Non-Program | PL000254 | PL02540001 | 474,244 |
| 217006 | PLOP000028 | 511100 | PSPPPP00000000GS | Non-Program | PL000254 | PL02540001 | 474,244 |
Financial and Budget Analysis
This ordinance adds $474,244 in the Police Bureau’s Grant Fund appropriation to augment the bureau's existing operating budget for Organized Retail Theft. The appropriation is for the current fiscal year.